Originally Posted by
noglider
Haha, I have driven in both places. I don't remember the impression of Californians driving fast, but I was living in NJ at the time where people drive stupidly fast and recklessly. In western WA, people drove more slowly than I've seen anywhere.
You're right about WA drivers driving more slowly - here are some theories:
1. Seattle was settled by Scandinavian immigrants who are known for being cautious/risk averse people (I wonder in the same conditions in prevail in Minnesota?)
2. Washington is such a spectacularly beautifully scenic state, there's no rush when we have scenery like this!
3. Weather is usually **** and it's dark 7 months out of the year. We adapt.
4. No state income tax = high fuel tax - people are "economizing" their fuel consumption!
5. WA = ranked
#1 bicycling state (dubious at best IMO) - higher proportion of motorists are used to cyclists or ARE cyclists, therefore drive more attentively